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Cultural Routes

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Immerse yourself in the culture of Cyprus by following one of the themed routes around the islandโ€ฆa journey that encapsulates legend, history, viticulture or religion in an enlightening and interesting way. Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty who was born from the seas of Pafos

As you wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, you will learn all about her birth, legend and character; the rituals connected with her cult, as well as the plants and seashells associated with her. For a unique opportunity to learn about the islandโ€™s longstanding tradition of winemaking, a tour of the wineries and wine producing villages offers the chance to indulge in some wine tasting, or sample other grape-based delicacies, visiting an old monastery or a quaint wine museum along the way.

Wine routers

The ancient grape varieties are still cultivated; and the same villages produce wine in the old, traditional ways, the islandโ€™s wine industry has also vastly modernised, progressed and expanded.

Along the way, you will be welcomed warmly at quaint villages and wineries, where you can sample choice vintages, learn from the locals, and even find a wine museum or two. After all, the art of wine in Cyprus is more than simply a way of life; it is an inherent passion with roots that go even deeper than those of its vines.

Religious Routes

An ethereal and blessed land, Cyprusโ€™s religious roots are both sacred and humbling, as evidenced by the impressive number of monuments of religious devotion that tell the story of the islandโ€™s path to Christianity and its deep faith, from inception to the present day.

Discover the churches, chapels and monasteries of the island, and immerse yourself in their journey of faith, history and culture. Through their unique structures; the biblical stories told in ancient icons and frescos; rich Ecclesiastical museums, and a Byzantine treasure trove of 10 painted mountain churches ยญ so religiously priceless that they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List – you cannot fail to feel uplifted, and for your heart to fill with enlightenment, serenity and devotion.

Cruises

From a myriad of Greek islands to the Holy Land, short cruises of 2-5 days with excursions are available onboard large, comfortable โ€˜floating hotelsโ€™ and luxury liners that feature a range of accommodation, cuisine, entertainment and leisure facilities.

Conversely, most international cruise ships sailing the region include Cyprus on their itineraries, calling at Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka (Larnaca) and Pafos (Paphos) ports, where passengers are able to spend some hours on the island – and visit the many places of interest. If you are stopping in Cyprus as part of a wider cruise, you will be delighted to discover how much there is to see and do within easy reach of the ports.

Adonis (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail

This trail offers beautiful views of Polis Chrysochous, the Pafos (Paphos) Forest and the Akamas peninsula. The path runs past Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queenโ€™s Tower) and connects with the Smigies trail at Kefalovrysia (where there is a fountain of nonยญ potable water), and with the Afroditi trail at Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Also noteworthy is the 500 ยญyearยญ old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. To return full circle, the trail follows the main road that connects the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite) with Polis for about 400 metres. At the starting point of the trail you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas.

Aphrodite (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail

Of special interest on this trail are the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite), where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty used to take her baths. You will also pass by the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queenโ€™s Tower), which are believed to belong to a Medieval monastery. Also noteworthy is a 500ยญ yearยญ old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. Along the trail you can enjoy excellent views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and Pafos (Paphos) Forest. There are two nonยญ potable water fountains along the trail; one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, and another between the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite) and Kakoskali. The trail connects with the Adonis trail, whilst at its starting point you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas. 

Smigies (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail

Initially, the trail offers beautiful views of the coastline of the Akamas peninsula to the west ยญ including Lara Bay ยญ and later on, to the east, with views of Chrysochous bay in the direction of Latsi, Polis, Pachyammos and Pafos (Paphos) forest. The longer route runs past the old mines, magnesium facilities, and abandoned kilns, and through a dense section of the Akamas forest. The trail also connects with the Adonis trail at Kefalovrisia, where you will find a nonยญ potable water fountain. At the starting point, the two routes are adjacent to the walking trail of Pissouromoutti. Both routes pass by the Piana fire lookout station of the Forestry Department.

Pissouromoutti (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail

There are many points of exceptional view along the trail, but the most impressive view is from the top of the hill. Here, you can seamlessly enjoy nature all around you (toward the south coast: Tzioni, Geranissos, Lara, Agios Georgios Pegeias, and toward the north coast: Chrysochou Bay). Part of the trail passes through a pine forest that offers shade on warm summer days, making the walk particularly unique and enjoyable. Smigies picnic site has drinking water flowing directly to the area from a spring.

Avakas Gorge (Linear) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail

The Avakas Gorge Trail is located in the homonymous gorge, within Pegeia state forest with the end of the trail located inside the gorge. It follows the course of the Avgas River, from where the gorge gets its name and resulted from constant erosive activity on the erodible, sloping limestone rocks composed of loams, chalks, reef and grain limestone and bentonitic clays. The gorge is also a Natura 2000 area. The trail firstly follows a dirt road (closed to private vehicles) through an open valley, then takes you into the gorge. In its last section, the trail is in the stream, in which water usually flows throughout the year. The route through the gorge is characterised by thick vegetation and a particularly attractive, shady and moist environment.

Kionia – ProfitisIlias (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Machairas Forest Nature Trail

The trail starts at the Kionia picnic site, where you can find a fountain with drinking water, and runs through a forest section where it affords great views of the Mesaoria plain, which belongs to the Machairas National Forest Park a Natura 2000 site. There is a perennial strawberry tree on the trail, whilst the picnic site boasts perennial pine and arar trees. The trail ends at the ProfitisIlias picnic site, approximately eight kilometres from Lythrodontas and six kilometres from MandratouKambiou, via dirt roads.

Xyliatos (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

The trail begins at the overflow of the dam and runs alongside the highest water level point of the dam. It then crosses the artificial bridge over the dam. The uphill trail takes you to the Xyliatos – ยญLagoudera road, which leads you to the starting point if you follow through the damโ€™s embankment. The trail connects with another 200-metre trail, which starts from the picnic site โ€˜FraktistouXyliatouโ€™ (Xyliatos Dam) then follows a small section of the Xyliatos – ยญLagoudera road, joining with the circular path at the damโ€™s embankment. The dam itself is also of interest. A section of the path passes through a pine forest where you will encounter varieties of the golden oak tree, strawberry tree, myrtle, oriental alder and rockrose.

Panagia touAraka – Stavros touAgiasmati (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

Of particular interest on this route are the churches of Panagia touAraka (1192 AD) and Stavros touAgiasmati (1494 AD) which boast outstanding frescoes and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The trail passes through a pine forest, vineyards, almond trees and old stone structures. To the east of the trail you will see Kionia peak. To the north you will see the Morfou plain and Pentadaktylos mountain range. To the west, you will see Troodos, and to the south you will see Madari. The trail connects with the Lagoudera or Agros – Madari trail. At the entrance of the Panagia touAraka church you will find a 700 year ยญold oak tree.

Agia Eirini – Limeria (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

The trail passes through a Calabrian pine forest with beautiful view spots of the Bay of Morfou (centralยญ west part of Cyprus). At Selladi tis Straorouthkias, the trail joins with the Kourdali – Limeria trail, and both trails share a common route for the next two kilometres. The trail ends at the location of Limeria with its many hideouts that were used during the antiยญcolonial National struggle war of 1955-19ยญ59. Some six kilometres north of Agia Eirini Village there is a picnic site: โ€˜Kapouraโ€™, which is situated next to the Kapoura Forest Station.

Doxa soi o Theos – Pyrofylakio (Fire Lookout Station) Madaris (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

There are panoramic views in all directions when you reach an altitude of around 1,400ยญ-1,600m along the Madari ridge. The path ends close to the top of Adelfoi mountain (1,613 metres). The walk offers the opportunity to climb up the Madari fire lookout tower, which overlooks the area. The trail connects with other nature trails in the area, such as: the MadariยญSelladi  touKaramanli path, Teisia tis Madaris and the Doxa soi o Theos ยญMoutti tis Choras path. There is a fountain with drinking water at starting point (a).

Teisia tis Madaris (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) / Lemesos (Limassol) Districts, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

There are tall, impressive cliffs along the trail, as well as areas of geological interest. You will also encounter beautiful views of the Mesaoria Plain and Morfou Bay. The trail connects with the Madari – Doxa soi o Theos trail and the Madari – SelladitouKaramanli trail. The path is at an altitude of 1,600 metres. At the highest point of Adelfoi mountain (1,613 metres), you will find the Madari fire lookout tower.

Kannoures – Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) Districts, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail begins at the source of the Karkotis River and crosses through the riverโ€™s beautiful valley, passing near the closed chrome mine and ending in Kakopetria. On the way, you can visit the Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church (12th century) that boasts exquisite frescoes; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the church, if you follow the Pedoulas – Kakopetria road for about three kilometres, you will end up in Kakopetria. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park

Fragma (Dam) Prodromou – Stavroulia (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) Districts, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail offers a wonderful view of Morfou Bay and the Troodos mountain range, and a panoramic view of the abandoned chrome mining tunnels. The trail passes through an incredibly dense black pine forest and is located within the Troodos National Forest Park. On the west side of the dam there is a picnic site โ€˜FragmaProdromouโ€™ and the โ€˜Marathosโ€™ picnic site is found on the Agios Nikolaos ยญ – Prodromos road.

Prodromos – Zoumi (Linear) ยญ- Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) Districts, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail passes through rows of Black Pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana). At various points along the trail there are panoramic views of the Marathasa valley, Morfou Bay, Kykkos Monastery, Tripylos and VouniPanagias. At Zoumi, the path joins with the FragmaProdromouยญ – Stavroulia nature trail. The path can also be circular if the walker chooses the Prodromos – Troodos road, with an extra distance of 2.7 kilometres. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park.

Atalanti (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) Districts, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail goes around Chionistra mountain at an altitude of 1,700ยญ-1,750 metres, passing through dense areas of black pine trees (Pinus nigrasubsp.pallasiana) and Foetid Juniper (Juniperusfoeditissima). One of the largest trees ยญ Foetid Juniper ยญ is found on the trail; it is 800 years old. There are wonderful views of all the areas of the island. The entrance tunnel of the chrome mine ยญ which has been out of service since 1982 is particularly interesting. The first finishing point of the trail is nine kilometres along the Troodos-Prodromos road. To continue on the trail you must cross the main road and walk on the forest road of KatoikiesChromiou towards Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church for around 200m, where a wooden sign points your direction;  the trail is approximately parallel to the main road and ends at Troodos Square, where you will find the Environmental Information Centre of Troodos National Forest Park. A fountain with drinking water is located three kilometres from the starting point heading towards Troodos Square.

Artemis (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail passes through the black pine forest where you will also encounter rare species of flora and rock formations of the area. You can find two perennial black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) that are around 500 years old. Of historic interest are โ€˜The teishia tis palaiaschorasโ€™ ruins of makeshift fortifications built in the last years of the Venetian occupation of Cyprus (1571 AD) by a group of Venetian generals attempting to defend themselves against the Ottomans. The route circles around the top of Mount Olympos (Chionistra) at an altitude of 1,850 metres, offering an excellent view in all directions. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park and you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park at a distance of 2.2km from the trail.

Psilondentro (Tall Tree) – Pouziaris (Circular) ยญ- Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

For the first kilometre, the path passes through dense clusters of Calabrian pine trees, whilst on the third kilometre at the points with a higher altitude it passes through an impressive and dense black pine forest (Pinus nigrasubsp.pallasiana). At points along the trail you will experience panoramic views. The path is located within the National Forest Park of Troodos.

Persephone (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, and for the first two kilometres of the route, you will pass through dense black pine forest. The ending point at MakriaKontarka offers stunning views. The KampostouLivadiou picnic area is located two kilometres from Troodos Square ยญ in the direction of Karvounasยญ and at a distance of 2.5 kilometres, you will find the โ€˜Armyrolivadoโ€™ and โ€˜LivaditouPasiaโ€™ picnic sites. The Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park can be found in Troodos Square.

Kalidonia (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

From the starting point (a) the trail passes through a dense forest and then runs alongside the Cold River (KriosPotamos), which has running water all year round. It then passes by the Kalidonia Waterfall and finishes at the Psilodentro in PanoPlatres. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park. In Troodos Square you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park.

Trooditissa – Foini (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The route follows a forest road that connects Trooditissa Monastery with the beautiful village of Foini, with exceptional views towards the village along the way. The trail crosses the Trooditissa River and leads you to the routeโ€™s main attraction, the Chantara waterfall (eight metres high), then passes by vertical cliffs before the journey ends on the Foini – Agios Dimitrios road, right outside Foini. The entire trail is located within Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area.

Kampos tou Livadiou (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The first 1,000 metres of the trail are common with the KampostouLivadiou – MnimataPiskopon Trail. With its positioning near the edge of a cliff, the trail offers views toward Chromium River, Solea Valley, Morfou Bay and the tip of Chionistra. It is particularly enjoyable as it passes through thickets of black pine and a significant number of centuryยญ old black pines and junipers. There are also points of geological interest (dunite, harzburgite). The entire trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The picnic site of โ€˜KampostouLivadiouโ€™ has drinking water.

Livadi (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The Livadi Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is located within Troodos National Forest Park – a Natura 2000 area. The course takes you through a black pine and foetid juniper forest, where you will have the chance to admire some centuryยญ old trees. A viewpoint, where you can see Chromium River and Solea Valley, is available on the route. To complete the trail, turn back at the viewpoint and follow the same route for about 100 metres, then take the route on the right, as indicated by the sign. Tree loggings have not taken place in these forests since 1972, since the principal management objective for this forest area is the conservation of biodiversity, water resources and the landscape. โ€˜KampostouLivadiouโ€™ picnic site has drinking water. The Troodos Visitor Centre, which holds information on the Troodos mountain range, its flora and its fauna, is located In Troodos Square.

Mnimata Piskopon (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail passes through thickets of black pine and follows a route by the cliffโ€™s edge, with views toward Chromium River, Solea Valley, Morfou Bay and the tip of Chionistra. The rich vegetation at the beginning of the trail, comprised of black pine and foetid juniper, gradually gives way to Calabrian pine at lower altitudes (below 1,400 metres). The whole trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The route ends up on the Platania – Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis forest road. For the first kilometre the route is common with the KampostouLivadiou Trail. At the end of the trail you have the choice between three routes that end up at Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, the village of Kakopetria or Platania Forest Station. โ€˜KampostouLivadiouโ€™ picnic site, situated near the starting point, has potable water.

Loumata ton Aeton (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

The trail runs through a beautiful hillside and along the riverbank with lush vegetation, ending at Amiantos Park. It also passes the restored hideยญout of the EOKA fighters and the stream Loumata ton Aeton. From linear, the trail becomes circular by following the roads through the village towards the summer camping site of S.E.K Trade Union Confederation. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park.

Chrysovrysi (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

Almost the entire trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The last 300 metres of the trail are on a dirt road that is used by the residents of Amiantos for their agricultural operations. Gabbro rock formations, i.e. ultrabasic plutonic rocks belonging to the Troodos ophiolite complex, prevail along the trail. The route ends up on the Karvounas – Amiantos road, approximately 1.4 kilometres from the village of Amiantos. The A.G. Leventis Botanical Garden of Troodos and the Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre are located within the limits of the asbestos mine.

Kyparissiaยญ- Ydatofraktis (dam) Germasogeias (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Lemesos Forest Nature Trail

The trail initially passes through areas of forest and then continues for a short distance along the Kyparissia River, offering panoramic views of the Germasogeia dam and Lemesos (Limassol). The trail runs through a forest, with clusters of Cypress trees (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis), and connects to the circular trail of Germasogeia dam. The Kyparissia Forest is a Natura 2000 site.

Konnoiยญ- Agioi Anargyroi (Circular) – Ammochostos (Famagusta) District, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park Nature Trail

The trail affords excellent views throughout, with the views of the stunning Konnos Bay being particularly impressive. For the first two kilometres of the trail ยญ beginning at Konnos Bay ยญ the path continues parallel to the beach and arrives at the AgioiAnargyroi Church, which is built above a sea cave where it is said that the Saint Anargyroi lived an ascetic life. Following the trail to the south, through low shrub vegetation, it leads to the natural Kamara (arch) touKoraka bridge ยญ an impressive geological formation. After the bridge, the trail ascends slightly, passing through the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, running parallel to the coastline through high shrub vegetation, and towards its end through a small pine forest.

Konnoi – Cyclops Cave (Circular) – Ammochostos (Famagusta) District, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park Nature Trail

The Konnoi – Cyclops Cave Trail is situated within the Cape Gkreko National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The trail follows a route parallel to the rugged shore. Passing through mostly shrubby vegetation, it reaches the natural Cyclops Cave. The return route is on the same trail for about 250 metres. It then follows a downward path toward the beach and finally an uphill climb back to the starting point. All along the trail, there is a seamless view of the turquoise waters and golden sands of Konnos beach, as well as of AgioiAnargyroi church.

Ezousa Walking Trail (Circular), Pafos (Paphos) District Nature Trail

The Environmental Information Centre houses exhibition areas with scenes and exhibits, as well as showing documentaries about the natural environment and biodiversity of the surrounding area.

There are excellent views along the way but the most impressive view is from the โ€œRockโ€ on which the village church, devoted Saint Ilarion the Great, is built. Here, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Ezousa Valley below as well as taking in the beauty of nature itself. From this particular point, visibility extends to the Pafos forest and the mountain range of Troodos. The trail crosses over the Ezousa Valley at a certain point with lush growth, especially Oriental Plane Tree and Oriental Alder which offer shade to travelers on hot summer days, making the walk a unique and pleasant experience.

Sea Caves – AgioiAnargyroi (Linear) – Ammochostos (Famagusta) District, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park Nature Trail

The Sea Caves – AgioiAnargyroi Trail is located on the cape of Cape Gkreko, within the National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. A big part of the route runs parallel to the shoreline. From the Sea Caves to Kavos hill the trail passes through a rocky area with sparse halophytic vegetation. It then follows a course due north, through low shrubby vegetation. Passing through an area of fields planted with cereals ยญ and through an area of low bushes ยญ the trail reaches a natural bridge called โ€˜Kamara touKorakaโ€™ and ends up at AgioiAnargyroi Church. The church is built over a sea cave, where it is believed that saints (known as AgioiAnargyroi) lived as ascetics. The trail connects to the Konnoi – AgioiAnargyroi Trail, and to the Aphrodite Trail. About 200 metres to the west of the end of trail, there is a picnic site with drinking water.

Kavos (Circular) – Ammochostos (Famagusta) District, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park Nature Trail

The trail is located at Cape Gkreko within the boundaries of the National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The trail first passes through a pine tree landscape and then through low, shrubby vegetation. All along the trail, there are many points of exceptional view, the most impressive of which is at the hilltop, from where you can enjoy an unobstructed nature view on all the points of the horizon: to the east you can see the tip of the cape (Pidalion) where the lighthouse and the facilities of a French radio station (SOMERA) are located: to the west there is the tourist resort of Agia Napa; to the north the main part of the National Forest Park, and to the south the pristine waters and rugged coastline. The impressive cliffs on the south side of the hill are ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts. The Kavos Trail connects to the Sea Caves – AgioiAnargyroi Trail.

Aphrodite (Circular), Ammochostos (Famagusta) District, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park Nature Trail

The Aphrodite Trail is located within the Cape Gkreko National Forest Park and follows a downhill incline until it reaches the beach. Here, it connects to the Sea Caves – AgioiAnargyroi Trail and before it reaches a natural bridge called โ€˜Kamara touKorakaโ€™ it takes an uphill turn toward the Visitor Centre. This part of the trail is common with the Konnoi – AgioiAnargyroi. The first part of the trail passes by the ruins of the ancient temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite. On the way to the beach, the trail passes by natural caves with dry stone walls built around their perimeter – constructions that were used by shepherds to keep animals. There are many viewpoints along the route. There is also a sign with the Cypria Aphrodite (ฮšฯฯ€ฯฮนฮดฮฑ ฮ‘ฯ†ฯฮฟฮดฮฏฯ„ฮท) logo indicating where an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite is believed to have been.

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